Rice prices in Bangladesh have surged despite ongoing Aman harvesting, with millers allegedly controlling the market, say experts.

Coarse rice now costs Tk 58-60 per kg, medium varieties Tk 68-72, and fine rice Tk 80-95, marking significant weekly hikes. Traders report wholesale price increases of Tk 100-300 per 50kg sack within two weeks.

The BRRI Dhan-28 variety is currently Tk 3,200-3,240 per sack, up from Tk 2,900-3,050. Popular medium and fine varieties like Swarna-5, Najirshail, and Miniket also saw sharp rises.

Millers, particularly from Naogaon, Dinajpur, and Jashore, bought large paddy stocks fearing low production after floods, said HR Khan Pathan, secretary of the Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners Association.

CAB Vice President SM Nazer Hossain urged government intervention to curb unscrupulous practices and stabilize the market. Prof Dr Md Taj Uddin warned that millers’ refusal to supply government food reserves is worsening the situation, with stocks at a critical low. He advised stricter monitoring and private import incentives to address the crisis.

Meanwhile, vegetable prices fell, with onions now Tk 50-60 per kg due to an increased supply of seasonal seed onions, bringing some relief to consumers.